Editor’s Note: This article includes testimony and details that may be disturbing to some readers.
Paul Bernardo, one of Canada’s most notorious criminals, has been denied parole for a third time after an emotional hearing before the Parole Board of Canada. The 60-year-old is serving an indeterminate life sentence for the brutal kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder of two teenage girls, Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy, in the early 1990s. He is also convicted for his role in the death of his then-wife Karla Homolka’s sister, Tammy Homolka.
The parole hearing took place at the medium-security La Macaza Institution in Quebec, where Bernardo has been incarcerated since May 2023, following a controversial transfer from a maximum-security prison in Ontario. His move to a less-restrictive facility sparked significant public outcry and renewed attention on his case.
The Hearing and Victim Impact Statements
Tuesday’s parole hearing was marked by impassioned testimonies from the families of Bernardo’s victims, who spoke of the lasting emotional trauma and devastation caused by his crimes. As the proceedings began, victims of Bernardo’s previous assaults, identified as Victim #1, described the deep psychological scars left by their encounters with him.
“This is the first time I have addressed a parole hearing for Paul Bernardo,” said Victim #1. “He shows no remorse, no compassion, no regret, and no regard for the lives he ruined.” The survivor recalled the terror they felt during the assault, saying, “That night, I thought I would die by the knife he held to my throat.” The survivor, along with others, expressed fears of their identities being discovered, revealing the enduring psychological impact of Bernardo’s actions.
Throughout the hearing, the board heard victim impact statements that conveyed the irreversible damage caused by Bernardo’s crimes. One victim emphasized that Bernardo had tried to “steal the memories and dignity” of the people he had harmed. The victims’ families repeatedly stressed the significance of keeping him behind bars, citing the ongoing threat he poses to public safety.
Bernardo’s Testimony and Parole Request
During the hearing, Bernardo was asked to explain the root causes of his criminal behavior. He shared his troubled upbringing, claiming that at the age of 16, he learned the man he had always believed to be his biological father was not. He also described feelings of rejection from his adoptive father, whom he said saw him as the son of his “rival.” He further claimed that his mother had distanced herself from him, contributing to his feelings of abandonment and isolation.
While the parole board acknowledged the challenging aspects of Bernardo’s upbringing, they also noted that backgrounds of abuse and neglect do not generally lead to the extreme crimes he committed. The commissioner pointed out that many individuals face difficult circumstances in childhood without resorting to criminal behavior, particularly the heinous acts committed by Bernardo.
Bernardo stated that he was participating in the parole process to show accountability for his actions. However, he also insisted that his past should be taken into account, arguing that his difficult upbringing played a role in his criminal conduct. Despite his claims of introspection, the parole board expressed skepticism about his ability to fully grasp the extent of the harm he had caused, and the risk he continues to pose.
Assessment of Bernardo’s Progress
A case worker from the La Macaza Institution provided testimony on Bernardo’s behavior since his transfer to the medium-security facility. The worker described the institution as a “much more open environment,” where Bernardo has remained compliant with the rules. No incidents have been reported since his arrival in May 2023. However, the case worker raised concerns about Bernardo’s tendency to overestimate his progress and underestimate the risks he poses to the public.
The parole board was also informed by the Correctional Service of Canada that it does not support his release on parole. The service stated that Bernardo has not met the necessary criteria for either escorted or unescorted temporary absences, which are typically granted to individuals showing clear signs of rehabilitation. Despite his claims of progress, the board was not convinced that Bernardo had sufficiently demonstrated a reduced risk to society.
Legal Arguments Against Parole
Tim Danson, the long-time lawyer representing the families of Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy, presented compelling arguments against Bernardo’s release. Danson read parts of the victim impact statements, emphasizing the significance of Bernardo’s designation as a “dangerous offender.” He underscored that this classification reflects the extreme nature of his crimes and the ongoing threat he represents. Danson urged the parole board to prioritize public safety and deny Bernardo’s request for parole, given the lasting trauma his actions have caused and his failure to show genuine remorse.
The board also took into account the fact that Bernardo has been convicted of multiple heinous crimes, including the kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder of the two teenagers. These crimes, committed over several months in 1991 and 1992, were particularly violent and premeditated. Bernardo’s continued designation as a dangerous offender, combined with his lack of genuine remorse, made his release highly contentious.
A Nation Watching Closely
Bernardo’s case has been the subject of widespread media attention and public debate for decades. His crimes, along with the complicity of his former wife, Karla Homolka, shocked the nation and led to one of the most high-profile criminal cases in Canadian history. Homolka served 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter for her role in the deaths of Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy.
Bernardo’s parole hearings have been held periodically, each time renewing the trauma for the families of his victims. The victims’ families have made clear that they feel re-traumatized each time these hearings occur. Despite this, they have consistently advocated for his continued incarceration, expressing deep concerns about the potential danger his release would pose to the public.
The Board’s Decision
After hearing all the testimonies, including those from Bernardo, the parole board deliberated for several hours. In the end, the board decided to deny his parole request for a third time. The decision was influenced by concerns about Bernardo’s risk of reoffending, his lack of remorse, and his history of manipulation. The board concluded that releasing him at this time would not be in the best interest of public safety.
While the parole board’s decision is a significant victory for the victims’ families, it also underscores the ongoing debate around the rehabilitation and potential reintegration of individuals who commit extreme acts of violence. The families of Bernardo’s victims, however, remain resolute in their belief that he should never be released.
Looking Ahead
Bernardo will remain incarcerated as he continues to serve his life sentence. The parole board’s decision, while not final, is a significant step in ensuring that he remains behind bars. As the families of his victims continue to advocate for justice, the case remains a somber reminder of the lasting impact of violent crime on individuals, families, and communities.
The next steps in Bernardo’s case will depend on future parole hearings, but for now, his bid for freedom has been denied, and he will continue serving his life sentence. The board’s decision has been met with a mixture of relief and grief from the families who continue to live with the consequences of his crimes every day.